Emergency personnel forced to relieve themselves in veld

EMERGENCY medical personnel in Lebowakgomo are working in an old, dilapidated building without some windows, proper doors, computers, ablution facilities, or running water.

According to DA Limpopo caucus leader Desiree van der Walt who visited and inspected the station recently, the station was also located next to a piece of open land, with snakes and other dangerous creatures often making their appearances on the premises.

She said circumstances were so dire that the personnel working in the building were forced to relieve themselves in the veld and to bring their own water from home.

“Many of the personnel work without protective clothing, which puts their safety on duty in question,” she said.

“When officials complain to the station manager, he reportedly threatens to have them dismissed if they keep bothering him.

“It is also alleged that the manager calls them useless, stupid and empty headed at times,” she said.

Van der Walt further said the DA had already raised this issue during a Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) meeting in February and requested the head of department (HOD) to probe the matter.

“Our concern is the attitude and the capability of this manager, who failed to resolve the challenges that these personnel are facing every day.

“We urge the MEC and HOD to take action against this station manager and to commence with investigations with immediate effect,” she said.

Health communications manager, Macks Lesufi, said there was an allocation of R593,7 million available for infrastructure development in the 2014/15 financial year.

“The Lebowakgomo emergency medical services’ building will be revamped as part of the government infrastructure plan,” Lesufi said.

“Our department was under administration when we took over.

“We started with the most important priorities such as the supply of medication, food, equipment and improving the turn-around services of hospitals when we took office.”